Blog

A Different View of Story 12/18/2012 10:31:31 PM by: Steven James

Over the years I’ve started to believe that a lot of the advice I was taught early in my writing career doesn’t work for me—I don’t outline, don’t

plot out my novels, don’t believe there are such things as either character or plot-driven stories and I don’t write detailed background charts on my characters. Honestly, I think a lot of this can be very detrimental to crafting memorable and emotionally engaging stories.

During my seminars I’ll challenge some of the assumptions you have about story structure and give you my take on how to shape stories that really rock. Here’s a taste of what we’ll be covering in the different sessions.

Story Trumps Structure
Forget three-act structure. All stories are transformative events that include an orientation to the world of this particular story, a crisis or calling that initiates the underlying tension of the story, escalation of stakes and conflict, a moment of discovery and a change in the character’s life. Whether this happens in one act or three or a dozen makes no difference to the reader—all they want is a great story. And you can begin giving it to them.

Status: How to Create Three-Dimensional Characters
Multi-dimensionality for all characters (including antagonists and protagonists) depends on varying their status. Characterization is brought out by showing how a character acts in relationship to other characters. A character with an attitude is always more interesting than a character with a history. At this seminar you’ll begin to understand the dance of submission / dominance that every relationship has and how situational, positional and relational status define every character in your novel. This will be a hands-on seminar with practical ideas and activities you can use today.

Pulling the Rug out
A great twist will always be unexpected, inevitable, an escalation of what preceded it, and a revelation that adds meaning to what has already occurred. Readers want to predict how a story will end, but they want to be wrong—yet still satisfied. Examples from popular literature and movies will help attendees craft great endings for their readers. Discover how to develop endings that leave your readers stunned, thrilled and panting for more.